Some big paychecks put Martin County workers' average income ahead of Indian River, St. Lucie counties

The average income of workers who live in Martin County is the second-highest in the state, U.S. Census figures show.

Only workers living in St. Johns County, where the average annual income for individuals is $69,724, make more than the $64,931 average pay for Martin County workers, according to the Census' American Community Survey five-year estimates released Thursday.

The $53,254 average pay for workers in Indian River County ranked 12th among Florida's 67 counties. The $44,576 average for workers in St. Lucie County was 38th.

Income averages are skewed demonstrably by the high-income workers compared with median incomes — half make more and half make less — especially in Martin County.

The difference between average and median incomes in St. Johns County is not quite as great as in Martin County, where the average is more than double the median, indicating some astronomical incomes in Martin County, but a broader base of high-income individuals in St. Johns County.

Looking at median incomes, Martin County ranks 16th with $32,309, St. Lucie County is 39th at $29,067 and Indian River County is 43rd at $28,628.

The census data also highlight the value of a four-year college degree.

The difference in median income between those who completed a bachelor's degree and those who had some college education but did not complete their four-year degree is 64.2 percent among Martin County workers. The difference is smaller but still significant in Indian River County (41.8 percent) and St. Lucie County (29.8).

That's not even considering those who don't have any college work or who have earned advanced degrees.

According to the data, merely getting a high school diploma increases the median income by 47.8 percent in Indian River County, though not by as much in Martin County (44.1 percent) or St. Lucie County (27.8), where those without a high school diploma earn a median income of more than $20,000.

For lower income ranges in general, St. Lucie County residents do better than those in Indian River or Martin counties.

For those with at least a bachelor's degree, however, Martin County residents are paid more.